Serving 820 students in grades 6-8, Prairie-hills Junior High School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Illinois for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 5% (which is lower than the Illinois state average of 27%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 9% (which is lower than the Illinois state average of 30%).
The student-teacher ratio of 16:1 is higher than the Illinois state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 98% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the Illinois state average of 55% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Facts (2025)
- Grades: 6-8
- Enrollment: 820 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1
- Minority Enrollment: 98%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in IL
- Math Proficiency: 5% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 9% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 24% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Prairie-hills Junior High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Illinois for:
Category
Attribute
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
School Overview
Prairie-hills Junior High School's student population of 820 students has declined by 12% over five school years.
The teacher population of 52 teachers has declined by 16% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 6-8
Total Students
820 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
52 teachers
School Calendar
School Motto
It's a great day to be in the Hills
School Rankings
Prairie-hills Junior High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 3,542 schools in Illinois (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Prairie-hills Junior High School is 0.34, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.70. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#3201 out of 3542 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
5%
27%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
9%
30%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
24%
50%
Student-Teacher Ratio
16:1
13:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
1%
6%
Hispanic
16%
28%
Black
80%
16%
White
2%
45%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
1%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Eligible for Free Lunch
100%
43%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (11-12)
54%
27%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Prairie-hills Junior High School's ranking?
Prairie-hills Junior High School is ranked #3201 out of 3,542 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Illinois.
What schools are Prairie-hills Junior High School often compared to?
Prairie-hills Junior High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Jesse C White Learning Academy by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
5% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 27% IL state average), while 9% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 30% IL state average).
How many students attend Prairie-hills Junior High School?
820 students attend Prairie-hills Junior High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
80% of Prairie-hills Junior High School students are Black, 16% of students are Hispanic, 2% of students are White, 1% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Prairie-hills Junior High School?
Prairie-hills Junior High School has a student ration of 16:1, which is higher than the Illinois state average of 13:1.
What grades does Prairie-hills Junior High School offer ?
Prairie-hills Junior High School offers enrollment in grades 6-8
What school district is Prairie-hills Junior High School part of?
Prairie-hills Junior High School is part of Prairie-Hills ESD 144 School District.
School Reviews
Review Prairie-hills Junior High School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles

Why Single-Sex Public Schools are Growing in Popularity
This article examines the growing trend of single-sex public schools in the United States. It explores the potential benefits, research findings, and controversies surrounding gender-specific education, as well as the factors driving its increasing popularity among parents and educators.

When Teachers Cheat: The Standardized Test Controversies
Teachers across the country are being accused of cheating on standardized tests, using erasers to conveniently change their students’ answers. However, are these teachers driven to cheat because the funding system is flawed?

When Field Trips Turn Deadly: Who is Responsible?
Recent deaths during field trips have parents and school officials questioning the safety of these excursions. Learn about these tragedies and what parameters should be in place to ensure a safe field trip.